Destination Specialists Share Their Favourite Beach and Wellness Getaways

Here at Goway Travel, we’ve reached out to a few of our destination specialists across departments and asked them to share what they think are the best beach and wellness destinations around the world. If you see some of your favourite beach spots on our list or want to share your own thoughts about where you’re hoping to travel when this pause in travel is all over, let us know in the comments.

What are your favourite beach and wellness getaways?

Australia

My favourite beaches are the beaches of Southern Queensland. The Gold Coast offers 57km/35mi of white sand beaches and they are so diverse. You can walk for hours, surf, and relax and along the way there are loads of dining options alongside the beach. Then you have the Sunshine Coast, which is a little quieter with lots of little villages and towns with their own beaches. It’s gorgeous.

— Meghan Boyd, Product Manager for Downunder

Noosa, Australia

The white sandy beaches of Noosa are surrounded by shops, restaurants, and resorts. You can relax and take in the surrounding beauty. Get some Barramundi and chips and watch the waves. Take a day trip to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, and see the rainforest and take a swim in Lake Mackenzie.

— Michelle Furtado, Downunder Destination Specialist

Thailand

Thailand always comes to mind as one of my favourite beach and wellness spots. There are so many beaches to choose from, plus amazing Thai food, spa options (including Thai massage), and an abundance of activities to keep you active. Whether you like hiking, cycling, yoga, golfing, water-based activities, or simply strolling on the beach, there is something for everyone. Personally, I really enjoyed the laid back vibe and remoteness of Koh Tao, where I went scuba diving and kayaking and ate my share of fresh Thai food.

— Brittany Banks, Product Manager for Asia

The Cook Islands

I love One Foot Island, located about 45 minutes by boat from Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. The water is one hundred shades of blue and completely stunning. There are sand bars that you can walk out to depending on the tide, and the sand appears to turn from white to pink in places. Surrounded by a barrier reef, the water is warm, calm, and gentle, and the snorkeling is amazing. The island is covered with palm and coconut trees and there is usually a gentle breeze. It doesn’t get any better than this!

— Vanessa Lloyd, Downunder Destination Specialist

Bora Bora

This is a stunning place. The ocean colours are just incredible with most of the accommodations located on sand fringed motus. It’s idyllic and super relaxing with fantastic diving and snorkeling as well as excellent cuisine. If you can take the opportunity to experience a stay in an overwater bungalow, do it because it really is pretty amazing.

The Deep Ocean Spa at the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa is beyond amazing. Imagine being pampered in one of the glass-bottomed treatment rooms overlooking the lagoon. It also offers thalassotherapy (seawater therapy) as well as ancient Polynesian healing rituals. All-in-all it’s an amazing, peaceful, lush location overlooking the ocean

— Janette Purdham, Downunder Destination Specialist

Lopes Mendes, Brazil and Konnos Beach, Cyprus

Found on the island of Ilha Grande, which is just outside of Rio de Janeiro, Lopes Mendes is a stunning remote beach of fine white sand that is surrounded by clear blue waters. There are no motorised vehicles permitted on the island—not even boats are allowed on the shores of Lopes Mendes—which means that to get there you can either embark on a 3-hour trek from the island’s main village, Abraão, or opt for a short boat ride to a drop-off point and then follow a hiking trail that typically takes 20 minutes to traverse. This is one of my favourite places in the world as it’s the ideal place to unwind. The calmness of nature surrounds it, and without the distraction of cars and boats, it’s easier to appreciate and connect with the beauty of the environment. It also helps that Lopes Mendes is not nearly as popular as other beaches in and around Rio de Janeiro. When I was there, I was able to spend the full day relaxing and exploring this gorgeous stretch of beach without running into many others. One of my most memorable trips!

Located in Protaras, an area that is host to a range of stunning beaches and unique cliff side rock formations, Konnos Beach can be easily accessed by foot, car, or bike. As you walk towards the cove, you are welcomed by the striking colours of the beach’s turquoise blue waters. It’s a must for beach-goers visiting Cyprus as it’s one of the best places to relax and sit under the sun on a picturesque secluded beach. If you’re feeling more active, a trek through the hiking trail connected to the beach is an excellent addition to the day. Although widely considered an easy trail to hike, it does take about two hours to complete, and you’ll certainly want to have plenty of water with you to help stay hydrated if the sun is out.

— Kyla Villabona, UK & Europe Destination Specialist